It was a productive Saturday afternoon workout for Celtic as they came away from Livingston’s Tony Macaroni Arena with three vital Scottish Premiership points. There were jubilant scenes at full-time, particularly from a young Hoops supporter.
The little boy ran onto the pitch as the champions were in the midst of a lap of honour and made a dart for his heroes. The stewards soon got to him, but manager Brendan Rodgers was having none of it.
Indeed the Irishman saved the youngster and ensured he got back to the stand alright. After the match, Rodgers spoke about the situation, revealing his sympathy for the fan. He said (Sky Sports): “It’s just common sense. He’s a young kid wanting to see his heroes, he wants to see his players so he shouldn’t be punished or prosecuted for that especially when the security guy is a lot older than him.”
It was a classy gesture from the double-treble-winning boss to stick up for the kid. At the young age he is, he cannot be blamed for wanting to meet the men he idolises and probably looks to emulate.
With his actions, the 50-year-old will have undoubtedly helped win over some of the Celtic support he hadn’t since his return. As much as it was elegant from Rodgers to do what he did, he is not stupid and before it, he would’ve known that helping the youngster would only increase his repertoire among the support.